The National Development and Reform Commission, China's top planning agency, says prices of farm products must remain stable during upcoming holidays.
The agency issued a notice Friday to officials involved in pricing policy urging them to ensure a steady supply of produce during the New Year and Spring Festival, to provide subsidies for poor families and to guard against hoarding, Xinhua, the official government news agency, said. They were also warned to keep an eye on other prices, including road tolls and hotel beds.
Inflation has been picking up in China. In November, the rate was 5.1 percent on an annualized basis, the highest level in more than two years. The government had set 3 percent as the target for the year.
